How to Clean Up Haze on a Colored Basement Concrete Floor

by Rochelle Leggett

Most colored concrete floors are finished with a sealer after the coloring process in order to protect the floor from everyday wear. However, this sealer is prone to some problems, including developing a hazy or cloudy appearance. This is caused by excessive moisture in the floor or high humidity during application. Water-based sealers are especially prone to this. If your floors have been finished with a water-based sealer, there are a few solutions you can try to clear it up.

Apply more sealer. The solvents in the sealer will temporarily dissolve the previous coating, allowing moisture to escape and eliminating the haze. This technique must be used with care, though, since it might cause more problems later. It's a good technique to try for a small area that is hazy.

Apply xylene or xylol to the floor. You can use a brush or roller, like paint, or spray with a sprayer. This will also dissolve the sealer, letting moisture escape, and is preferable to applying more sealer in most instances. Xylene is derived from mineral spirits and has some similar properties, and needs similar precautions. Protect your eyes and skin from this product and wear a respirator.

Remove the old sealer by applying a chemical stripper, then scraping off the old sealer and putting the mixture into a nonreactive container for disposal. Many solvents can soften or dissolve plastic; check the container for more specific information regarding disposal. Use a stiff bristled room to clean out patterns if you have stamped concrete. Clean the floor with soap and water, let it dry completely, and apply new sealer. This is your best option if the other options don't work or if you have a polyurethane or epoxy coating, since these can't be repaired if they are hazy. You should also determine if your basement has a moisture problem or if the sealer was simply applied during high humidity. If you have a moisture problem, try using a breathable penetrating sealer, which allows moisture to escape more easily.

Items you will need

Brush

Acrylic concrete sealer

Xylene or xylol

Roller

Sprayer

Chemical stripper

Scraper

Broom

Container

Tips

The most effective methods of controlling moisture in a concrete floor, unfortunately, must be used prior to pouring the concrete. You can invest in a dehumidifier, circulate the air and ensure that there are no leaks in your home, all of which will improve conditions in the basement and don't require a renovation project.

Be sure that any chemical stripper you use is safe for use on a colored concrete floor.

Warnings

Solvent-based sealers, chemical concrete strippers, xylene and xylol are all toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection. Your clothing should cover as much of your skin as possible. Ventilate the area as much as possible, and wear a respirator. The fumes may have a hard time escaping in a basement; if you develop a headache or feel dizzy or confused, get some fresh air and let the air in the basement ventilate. See a doctor if it doesn't improve soon.

Like mineral spirits, xylene is highly flammable. Do not smoke or use the product around open flames or anything that could produce a spark. Solvent-based sealers are also highly flammable.